DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan talks about having “a ton of confidence” in the three rookies that forced their way onto the roster.

That was evident when two of them – Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Emmitt Finnie – were on the ice to start overtime on Friday. It’s been clear on how he’s used all three, including Michael Brandsegg-Nygard.

Sandin-Pellikka mans the point on the second power-play unit and kills penalties. Finnie is on the PK and Brandsegg-Nygard is on the power play.

They’ve been on the ice in late-game situations. They have faced some top teams and elite players just five games into the season.

Their biggest test comes Sunday when the Edmonton Oilers, with superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, visit Little Caesars Arena (3 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network).

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